About Us

Established 1995.

Hogadon Tune-Up Day was founded in 1995 as a way to “give back” to Hogadon Basin Ski Area for meaning so much to the community. The first event had 17 volunteers and 9 supporting businesses. The plan was just to clean up trash left over from the previous ski season that is often on the sides of the runs but not noticeable until warmer weather arrives. Over the years tasks have ranged from painting, window washing, carpet shampooing, splitting wood for the maintenance shop, trail building, and spreading wood chips at the top for rock cover.

Our volunteers are the BEST! We routinely have 60-70 people of all ages and abilities show up to work. We have nearly as many businesses that sponsor the event with food, T-shirts, and door prizes for the volunteers. In the five-year anniversary increments we have celebrated with a billboard, catered lunch, and live music. The Saggy Bottom Boys from Douglas performed in 2009 and we were joined by Miss Wyoming USA Cynthia Pate. Chad Lore provided live music in 2014 and for our 25th Anniversary Party in 2019 Casper’s own Red Butte Band entertained the crowd and a good time was had by all.

We have received a U.S. Congressional Commendation by former U.S Representative, Cynthia Lummis, and a Governor’s Proclamation by former Governor, Matt Mead, declaring the third Saturday of September “Hogadon Tune-Up Day” in the state of Wyoming. None of this would have been possible without ALL the great people of Casper and Wyoming. We look forward to many more years of service!

The History of Hogadon

According to Vaughn Steven Cronin’s book, “Casper Mountain-The Magic Yesterday and Today,” Hogadon was named after miner John Hogadone. The area is located 11 miles south of the city of Casper, Wyoming. The area’s first run, Park Avenue, was cut in 1958 and more were to follow. In 1960 a group of skiers known as “The Central Wyoming Ski Association” sold shares of stock to individuals to increase the area capacity.

A T-Bar and rope tow were the initial means of taking skiers up the mountain.
They were replaced by two double chairlifts and a poma. This was followed the acquisition of the area by the city in 1975. In 1984 snow making equipment made its way on the mountain to aid in producing a base and thus providing an earlier starting date weather permitting. 

IN LOVING MEMORY

A tribute to John

In Loving memory of John Allan “Chip” Walker | 1964-1995

 

John was a part-time lift operator and full-time supporter of Hogadon Ski Area. It was John that gave me the love of the sport while attending Casper College. We skied many years together traveling around the world following the snow! Since then I have taught my three daughters to ski and snowboard at Hogadon and my parent’s ashes are sprinkled on one of the runs. In 1996 family and friends dedicated a memorial to John for his love of the sport and Hogadon Ski Area.

A few years back Hogadon Ski Area cut some new runs and named them
after John’s and mine alias’s “Chip -n- Dale!” It was always our dream to
have ski runs named after us, so thank you, Hogadon!

Your Friend,
Marty